Last Friday, I had the pleasure of attending the Innovation Competition in Asmara, organized by the United Nations in Eritrea as part of the UN Day 2025 celebrations. The exhibition, hosted at Asmara Palace, highlighted themes of Climate Action, Energy, Agriculture, and Technology.
The competition featured nearly thirty submissions, covering topics from agriculture and food security to education, the economy, artificial intelligence, and renewable energy. Innovators came from across the country, representing both men and women and spanning a wide age range, thus reflecting Eritrea’s diverse and dynamic creative community. Throughout the day, visitors steadily streamed through the exhibitions, taking in the projects and engaging with the participants.
The event was vibrant, hopeful, and forward-looking, bringing together ideas, institutions, and individuals committed to shaping a better future. This article offers a few reflections on that experience.
Personally, one of the most striking aspects of the Innovation Competition was the tremendous diversity of its participants. Innovators came from all parts of the country, bringing with them a wide range of perspectives, experiences, and ideas. The mix of ages, genders, and backgrounds was particularly encouraging, ranging from young students and recent graduates to more experienced participants who have been contributing to their fields for years.
This diversity was more than representation; it reflected the depth of creativity and ingenuity across Eritrea. The range of entries demonstrated that innovation is not confined to any one group or region in Eritrea. Instead, it thrives wherever curiosity and determination are nurtured. Given the right opportunities and encouragement, Eritreans from all walks of life can contribute meaningfully to solving both local and global challenges.
Young people, in particular, have tremendous innovation potential. They are creative, motivated, and often willing to think boldly and differently. On the other hand, seasoned innovators bring experience and practical understanding of challenges and opportunities. Together, they form a powerful combination of energy and expertise.
Equally important is the local context. Many of the showcased projects sought local solutions to local challenges, grounded in Eritrean realities. This approach matters tremendously: across the world, evidence consistently shows that homegrown ideas, rooted in local needs and knowledge, are often the most effective and sustainable.
Additionally, the atmosphere of the event was highly inspiring. The exhibition hall buzzed with conversation, curiosity, and exchange. Innovators eagerly presented their ideas, while visitors, from government officials and employees of international organizations to local students and community members, asked thoughtful questions and offered feedback. This sense of openness and engagement reflected not only enthusiasm for innovation but also a growing culture of collaboration and shared learning in Eritrea. Also positive to see was how many of the innovators supported each other and offered constructive criticism and sound advice, further demonstrating the sense of shared purpose and camaraderie.
Yet another critical dimension of the event was that it highlighted cooperation among the UN in Eritrea, the Eritrean government, and local institutions, such as the National Union of Eritrean Youth and Students, and reflected the constructive relationship that has developed among them. Contrary to many assumptions, over the past few decades several UN agencies — including UNFPA, UNICEF, and UNDP, among others — have worked closely with Eritrean ministries and institutions, sharing goals and principles aligned with sustainable development and improving people’s lives.
This collaboration, founded on mutual respect and trust, continues to provide a strong foundation for joint efforts in innovation, youth empowerment, and community resilience. Thus, the competition stood as a clear example of how such partnerships can create tangible opportunities for progress and engagement.
Notably, the event underscored the importance of innovation in today’s world. Eritrea faces numerous challenges, including the growing impacts of climate change. Although the country contributes negligibly to global greenhouse gas emissions, it remains among the most vulnerable to their effects. Against this backdrop, innovation and creativity are essential tools for finding practical and sustainable solutions.
By fostering new ideas and supporting local talent, Eritrea can strengthen its ability to adapt and respond to complex challenges. Innovation not only improves livelihoods and promotes inclusive growth but also ensures that progress is locally driven and sustainable. Events like the Innovation Competition not only showcase creativity but also cultivate a problem-solving, collaborative mindset that is vital to the country’s future.
Of course, for innovation to thrive, it must be supported by an enabling environment—one that encourages experimentation, values new ideas, and provides access to resources and mentorship. Strengthening linkages between educational institutions, local industries, and development partners can help build such an ecosystem. By nurturing creativity through policy support, training, and investment, Eritrea can ensure that innovation moves from the exhibition hall to real-world impact.
Overall, the recent Innovation Competition served as a potent reminder that innovation is both a necessity and an opportunity. Eritrea’s innovators, supported by institutions and partners that believe in their potential, are demonstrating that creativity can thrive even in the face of challenges. The cooperation between national actors and international partners, such as the UN, continues to create meaningful spaces for this potential to grow.
As the country looks to the future, investing in innovation and in the people who drive it will remain essential. The ideas, enthusiasm, and collaboration witnessed at the event offer a glimpse of what is possible when creativity is encouraged and supported.
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